How Does Your Garden Grow?

OUTDOOR CONTAINER GARDENING

By Carole Cook-John, Master Gardener

There is no greater beauty than a pot of flowering annuals! Outdoor containers can be planted for spring, summer and fall. Both small and large containers work fine. The pots can be easily moved from one location to another. Containers can be planted with pansies in the early spring and ending in the fall with mums and kale. If space is a consideration, herbs and vegetables can be grown in containers, as well. There is no limit to the imagination as to unique containers, plants, colors and arrangements. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! New pots can be used or old containers purchased from resale shops or auctions. Perhaps an unusual find, such as an old wire baby buggy, or old galvanized washtubs, or an old wooden chair would make a perfect container. Several containers of different sizes grouped together can be very attractive.

A word about the soil - It is best to use a good quality potting soil or a soil-less mix. The soil needs to be loose when it is dry so air can get to the roots of the plants. When using the same container, make sure to change the soil every two to three years. Old soil can harbor diseases and pests from past plants. Be sure to scrub the pot with a weak bleach solution and let it dry before refilling it.

Annuals (flowers or vegetables) are the easiest to grow in containers. Match plants together with the same needs, i.e., light and water requirements. Perennials in containers need to be protected in northern Illinois. The roots of perennials need to be below the ground during the winter if they are to survive outside. Sometimes perennials in pots can be over wintered inside your home. Many gardeners have success stories of saving plants from one growing season to the next.

Plants in containers need more water than plants growing in the ground. The location of a container is important. Full sun (six or more hours per day) or a hot summer day may require plants in pots to be watered more than once a day. Basic pots are either plastic or clay. Plastic does not breathe; clay does. Plants in clay pots are porous which acts like a wick causing the water to evaporate faster and to dry out; therefore, these plants need to be watered oftener. The larger the container the less watering needed. A thirsty plant will withdraw water from its leaves leaving them limp and wilted, while retaining as much moisture as possible in its roots and stems. Wilted plants can sometimes be revived by soaking them in water. Plants love humidity but not wet feet. Plants can wilt from being over watered.

Always check the soil (finger test it) to see if it is wet or dry so you will know the proper action to take. Never think a wilted plant needs to be fertilized. Take care of its water needs first and wait until it is healthy to fertilize it.

Don't forget to fertilize those container plants. Plants need more fertilizer than when they are planted in the ground. The reason for this is that frequent watering leaches nutrients out of the soil quicker.

Adequate drainage is very important. Placing recycled lumps of styrofoam or styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of pots is great drainage material. Styrofoam retains warmth, which is an added benefit to the plant. Gravel, small stones, etc. can also be used for increasing the drainage in pots. When buying plastic pots, check that the drainage holes are open. Sometimes holes may need to be drilled out. Do not set plants out in the open without drainage holes and think they will do fine. A big rain can create waterlogged plants. The roots will rot, which cause the plants to die.

Be sure to check the plants for pests or diseases and take the appropriate action. Most flowers need to be deadheaded (remove faded flowers), which may teach you patience and provide an opportunity to admire freshly opened flowers. Happy gardening!

If you have questions or comments on home gardening or about the Master Gardener program, please call the University of Illinois, DeKalb County Extension office at 815-758-8194.